Getting married was a big deal, so Kazuyama had to make sure Fugaku had a happy memory of it.
With that in mind, he started thinking.
What should I get him?
Medicinal wine?
A tonic?
Who was Kazuyama? The worst of the worst. It wouldn't be like him to get something normal.
Determined to prepare a great gift, he headed straight to the pharmacy.
"Boss, do you have Cistanche, Cinnamon, Polygonatum, Privet Fruit, Dodder Seed, Deer Antler, and Red Ginseng?"
The shopkeeper, who had been tidying up the shelves, nearly stumbled when he heard the list.
What did I just hear? Aren't these all kidney-strengthening medicines?
How weak is this guy?
But when the boss saw who had asked, he immediately relaxed.
Kazuyama, meanwhile, noticed the strange, almost pitying look in the shopkeeper's eyes and wondered what was going on.
Then the boss spoke.
"Young man, you need to be more careful."
"Look at your dark circles. If you go on like this, your body might not be able to handle it."
Kazuyama froze, his face turning red the next second.
What the hell?! I'm not weak at all! I'm still a virgin in this life!
Chōmei, on the other hand, burst out laughing.
"Hahahaha! Kazuyama, the boss is right—you really are weak!"
"If you're not strong enough, you should take some medicine! You're killing me!"
Kazuyama glared at the giant bug, who was laughing so hard he was doubled over.
"Oh, you think you're funny, Chōmei? Fine! You're going to starve! No insects for a month!"
"Hmph! And I'll block my senses, so you can stay in the dark room!"
At that, Chōmei instantly wilted. His laughter stopped, and his voice softened by eight octaves.
"Come on, my good brother, I was just smiling a little."
"What was that saying again? You need to laugh more in life, or you'll grow old quickly."
"I'll stop smiling, okay?"
Kazuyama ignored him and turned back to the pharmacist, doing his best to ignore the owner's pitiful gaze.
Gritting his teeth, he snapped, "Boss, these aren't dark circles—they're bags under my eyes! And they're not from lack of sleep, I was born with them!"
The shopkeeper's expression grew even more sorrowful.
"Oh, poor thing, you were born with weak kidneys..."
"Don't worry, I'll give you a 30% discount on these medicines. Take good care of your health and remember to exercise restraint..."
Kazuyama couldn't hold back any longer.
I really want to kill this blind shopkeeper!
"Thanks a lot! I'll take half a pound of each of those herbs!"
After buying the medicine, Kazuyama didn't want to stay in that pharmacy for another second.
Ignoring the shopkeeper's pitiful gaze, he quickly left.
I really couldn't stand that for even a moment.
Looking at the medicinal herbs in his hands, he paused, deep in thought. It still didn't feel like enough.
After all, Fugaku wasn't just anyone—he was the future Clan Head of the Uchiha. How could his gift be something shabby?
With that in mind, Kazuyama decided to go to Ryūchi Cave and get some poisonous snakes.
Since he had the time, he might as well brew Fugaku a pot of snake wine! Packed with nutrients!
Without hesitation, he headed straight home with the herbs in hand.
However, having just run away from home, returning now would be walking straight into a trap.
No choice.
He left the herbs outside and used the Transparent Escape Technique to sneak into his own house.
At that moment, in the courtyard of the Gekkō residence, Pakura and Ebisami were comforting Hayate.
The little brat was venting, complaining about his brother.
"Uuuu! That evil brother of mine! He even sent a snake to bite me! That's too much!"
"When I grow up, I'll definitely get my revenge!"
Standing nearby, still hidden with the Transparent Escape Technique, Kazuyama thought to himself, Wow, that's some spirit! Just you wait, kid, that day will never come!
Pakura laughed while Ebisami gently reassured Hayate.
It wasn't a big deal for an older brother to discipline his younger sibling.
That said, Kazuyama had definitely gone a bit too far. Hanging his little brother in a tree and threatening him with a snake?
Was that something a normal older brother would do?
After eavesdropping for a while, Kazuyama realized he wasn't really being condemned, and he let out a sigh of relief.
He immediately went to his room, retrieved the contract scroll, and disappeared from the house using the Flying Thunder God Technique.
With the scroll's help, he once again arrived at Ryūchi Cave.
"Huh? No one's welcoming me this time?"
"Never mind, I'll find it myself."
To his surprise, the three Snake Princesses he had expected to greet him were nowhere to be seen.
Though slightly puzzled, Kazuyama continued walking deeper into Ryūchi Cave.
As he walked, Kazuyama passed by a snake cave and was drawn in by a flash of gold.
"Huh? Kinrin, you're here?"
The golden color in front of him was none other than Kinrin, the golden snake.
Hearing Kazuyama's voice, Kinrin slowly moved her body, raising her snake head. A hint of confusion flickered in her eyes.
"Huh? Kazuyama, why are you in Ryūchi Cave?"
"Hey, I had to come here for something. I was looking for the three Snake Princesses, but I don't know where they went."
"Snake Princesses? They should be sleeping. After all, we either practice or sleep."
Kazuyama nodded. Made sense—they were snakes, and hibernation was still part of their routine.
"By the way, what are you doing here in Ryūchi Cave?"
"I want to find some poisonous snakes—the kind that aren't friendly—so I can use them to make wine."
Kinrin's eyes widened instantly.
What did she just hear?
As a successor of Ryūchi Cave, this guy actually wanted to use poisonous snakes to make wine?
"Are you serious? This is Ryūchi Cave."
"So what? Poisonous snakes in wine make you stronger with each sip. A good friend of mine is getting married soon, and I want to give him a really big present!"
Kazuyama spoke sternly—he meant it. A big present! It had to be huge!
Kinrin looked at him and shook her head helplessly.
"What kind of poisonous snake do you want? You can't use one that cultivates natural energy. If the Snake Princesses find out you're making snake wine with Senjutsu-nurtured snakes, I think they'll lose their minds."
"Will an ordinary poisonous snake do? There are quite a few outside Ryūchi Cave."
Kazuyama's eyes lit up. As long as there were poisonous snakes, it was fine.
"As long as they're venomous, it doesn't matter if they're black mambas, cobras, or hakin vipers!"
Even Kinrin, a golden snake, was stunned by the names he listed.
"Are you giving a gift or committing murder?"
"It's a gift! Boiling poisonous snakes in wine makes a great tonic! Understand?"
Kinrin really didn't understand. Could wine made from those snakes even be consumed?
A single drop was probably enough to kill an elephant!
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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